The Colombo Malay Cricket Club (CMCC), the oldest cricket club in Sri Lanka was established in 1872. As the first Ceylonese cricket club in the country, they will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in the year 2022.
To mark this momentous occasion, the CMCC has organised a series of sports activities throughout the year. “The anniversary celebrations will kick-off with the launch of the First Day Cover to mark CMCC’s 150th inauguration on 19 March. This will be followed by a cricket encounter between the CMCC and Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI. The highlight of the celebrations will be a commemorative Charity Dinner on 26 March where the keynote speaker will be Sri Lanka’s cricket legend and former MCC Chairman Kumar Sangakkara,” said CMCC President Rizwan Badoordeen at a press conference held at the ‘Padang’.
“We have also lined up several tournaments throughout the year, such as an invitation six-a-side Cricket Tournament, Hockey and Netball carnival, Sepak Takraw and Badminton Open invitation tournaments and a rugby competition,” he added.
Cricket charity dinner
CMCC Club Captain Rinaldin Rahaman, speaking on the occasion, said the main objective of holding a Cricket charity dinner is to raise funds to buy cricket equipment to junior and senior school teams. “We have identified two rural schools in the country. As the leading cricket club in the island, we want to give back to the cricket community,” he said.
Invitational six-a-side cricket tournament in May
“It is basically a fellowship event where we are going to invite about 10 Tier A teams. Since the CMCC is celebrating 150 years we want to foster goodwill and camaraderie among the premier clubs like SSC, NCC, Bloomfield and CCC. There may be national players joining in for this tournament and even our past Test captains/players may represent their clubs,” said Rahaman.
Badminton tournament in June
This will be conducted at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. It will be an open event for Men and Women to participate in different age categories. Attractive prizes will be on offer.
CMCC walk in July
All participants will begin from the Padang premises where a carnival-type atmosphere with Papare music, decorated vehicles and fun-loving characters will be a part of the procession. Once the procession reaches the Padang grounds, a Tag Rugby tournament will be conducted amongst the Malay Associations.
Netball carnival in July
It will be a unique competition. “Play will be controlled by the whistle of the Master Referee whilst matches are being played simultaneously on different courts. In fact, this event has been conducted only in Singapore and we conducted a similar competition two years ago,” he said.
Open Sepak Takraw tournament in August
“As you may be aware, Sepak Takraw is of Malaysian origin. CMCC are the pioneers of the sport in Sri Lanka which requires football and gymnastic skills. It is now even popular in the services where it has been incorporated as a fitness program,” said Rahaman.
Hockey carnival seven-a-side invitational tournament
This will feature 8 school teams and eight club sides. Hockey also has a rich history at the CMCC, as it is the oldest club affiliated to the Colombo Hockey Association.
Interesting events await during the year, given the pandemic restrictions, to celebrate this massive and hnique milestone of CMCC.
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